A Hurricane's Effect on Trees
When hurricanes strike land, along with damage to property such as buildings, cars, fences and power lines, they also cause damage to trees in the urban forest. During Hurricane Wilma, Broward County lost an estimated 30 percent of its tree canopy. Surprisingly, fallen trees were frequently seen side-by-side with trees that appeared unaffected by the winds. According to studies conducted by the University of Florida (UF), this varied wind resistance by different trees may have been due to many factors such as tree age, size, health, location and species.
When trees are damaged during a hurricane, they are usually uprooted, broken at the trunk or exhibit significant damage to the crown, which is defined as having greater than 50 percent of the branches broken. Many trees experience de-leafing, where leaves are literally blown away by a hurricane's fast moving wind. The good news is that most trees that experience de-leafing will send up a new generation of leaves - normally within days.
Generally, trees that have been damaged in past hurricanes exhibited one or more of the following characteristics:
They were non-native trees unsuited by nature to withstand strong winds.
They were installed in the wrong place.
They were planted improperly or had poor structure.
While there is no magical, "hurricane proof" tree, healthy, well-maintained trees have a much better chance at surviving tropical winds. Additionally, studies by major universities such as UF and Louisiana State University have suggested that several species have survived well during past storms. The UF study indicates that live oaks have performed well, surviving the devastating winds of Hurricanes Camille in 1969 and Andrew in 1992. Sabal palms also withstood Camille and Andrew and - according to the study - the only tree "immune to hurricane-force winds" of Hugo in South Carolina in 1989.
Experts seem to agree that native species - particularly those with wide spreading branches, low centers of gravity, strong deep penetrating root systems and small leaf size - seem to hold up better in tropical storms.
Tips to Prepare Trees for Hurricane Season
Remove weak and diseased trees.
Prune and thin trees to give them a lower center of gravity and to lessen leaf mass.
Plant trees in groups and add shrubs around to trees deflect wind upwards.
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